chapter 24

I made a promise to myself that if i ever escaped i would go outside as much as i could, and that is exactly what i intend to do, and no one would be able to stop me. Not now i have had a taste of what freedom is like.

“Then that’s what we’ll do.” He climbs to his feet and leads the way from the den and into the hallway, passing some other pack members as we went.

I wondered if everyone in the pack had specific jobs, I knew what the alpha and beta did (sort of) but I don’t know what everyone else did everyday, or if they got a wage. I knew that Dean had money, but I didn’t know how much or how the rest of the pack did things.

Nyx strutted within me, interested too in what everyone else did, she wondered if we could do something too. If we could have a job where we got paid, we had never had money before, so we didn’t know where to start. But soon I would ask, I wanted to do something to pass the days, I wanted to help Dean and the pack in any way that I could.

Dean and the others had already done so much for me, they had taken me in, fed me, clothed me. They were making sure I was same from Balthazar, that I would never Be left in his care again, the least I could do was help out. Maybe I could clean around the pack house? Or somewhere else on pack land, I would do almost anything if it meant helping them.

I wondered once more if I could earn money like everyone else, I had never bought myself anything before and their was a few shops I would like to visit that I saw when Zane brought me here. It would also be nice to sit in the coffee shop for a while and relax.

“Have you seen the gardens yet?” Alex asked me, noticing that I had gone quiet.

“Not yet.” I look around as we exit the pack house, my eyes instantly pinned to the rows or roses.

“It’s a sight to see, so in tune with nature.” He says, taking my hand in his. “I like to come to gardens to feel closer to my wolf, it’s like we’re one in the wild.”

“I never thought about it like that, before I came here I was only allowed out for twelve hours a month and that was usually on the night of the full moon, Balthazar didn’t like me away from him for too long. It tended to make the other slaves jealous, they thought I was his obedient pet.” I explain, Telling him things about myself that no one else knew.

He frowned deeply, growling. “I’m sorry that you had to experience that Annalise, I wish that we could have spared you of that life.”

“Theirs nothing you could have done, I was born there it’s all I knew.”

“I still wish I could have prevented it, you didn’t deserve to live like that.”

“No one deserves to live like that.” I corrected.

He nods. “I agree, all packs are looking into stopping the slave trade already, it’s only vampires and warlocks that still practice it. It’s barbaric.”

“It is.” I agree. “And I will help put a stop to it in anyway that I can.”

“I’m glad that you said that, perhaps when you learn how to use your abilities we can put a stop to it together.”

“I’d like that.” I say. “I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did.”

“We’ll stop it if we can, if it’s up to the packs, no one will ever have to suffer like that again.” He promises, determination littering his tone.

The garden was breathtakingly beautiful as we walked around, i had never seen something so beuatiful and calm, it was nice to be outside, it was nice to have the choice to leave. we chatted some more as we walked, but it was mostly about me and what I liked. I didn’t have much to say, but what I did tell him, Alexander listened and took it all in, as though he was attaching every moment to memory.

We decided to sit on a bench that was located at the edge of the garden, facing the dense woods with a cup of hot chocolate, something I had never tried before but quickly learned that I liked. it was weird to think of all the things that i had missed out on, things so simple and yet amazing, i would never take any of it for granted. i never wanted to leave, i loved my mates, even though i barley knew them it was nice to know i wasnt alone and that they would protect me where they could.

“I’ve never tried this before.” I say, taking another sip. “Balthazar didn’t let the slave have things like this.”

“I’m glad you like it, it’s gets cold here so hot drinks are good for you.” He responds with a smile, taking a sip of his own drink.

“What is your favourite drink?” I ask, curious about what he likes.

His smile widens as he looks at me. “I would have to say coffee, I’m not myself without it. I can be quite grumpy on a morning.”

“I can see that.” I say with a laugh. “What’s your favourite colour?”

i loved talking to Alex, he was sweet, but i could also tell he was very strong minded and no one could take his opinions from him. i guess that is what i like, becuase i was certain i was falling hard for him, for all of them.

“I’ve always liked blue to be honest, so I guess that’s my favourite.” He answers honestly, the time drifting by around us. “Do you like music?”

“I do.” I nod, smiling up at him. “Though I’ve only heard things that the guards play, so I don’t know much.”

“We’ll have to change that.”

“What do you mean?”

“When you come with me to my pack I can show you my extensive music collection, its really big but I love all of it. I would like to share that with you.” He smiles once more, throwing his arm around my shoulder. “I can’t wait for you to see my home, it’s so big and amazing, my people will all welcome you with open arms.”

“You really think they will accept me?” I ask, nervously playing with my hands. “I don’t know much about the world, or being a good mate.”

i worried that maybe i wasnt good enough for him, or for any of them, i knew nothing about running a pack, i barley knew about anything outside being a slave. i guess i could learn, but tha would take time, could they wait for me to learn everything? i didnt know if i could be what they needed. but i was willing to try for them. i would do my best for each of them.

Could i really make them all happy?

i knew that they made me happy, or so far they did. But was i enough for them? it was four against one and i wasnt sure i was up for the task.